I have sent pictures to two experts,Relicman who has his own website,and Mr Jack Melton who has a Civil War Artillery website and they advise me that this is a sportmans ball (shotput). We are not pleased but we must bow to their expert opinion. Perhaps some carbon dating is needed, or maybe I can just remove the plug and see what is inside this ball. what should I find if this is really genuine? The seller has refused to refund our money.